“Merlin”

When Jill Trenholm came to Sedona, Arizona she met the master bronze sculptor John Soderberg and began to take classes from him. Jill was not new to art of sculpting. When she lived in LA, she had sculpted a line of figures that sold internationally. However, the art of sculpting for bronze was quite new but Jill fell in love with the process. She soon became John’s protégé and assistant. Jill was also John’s caregiver at the end of his life. Before his death, John requested that Jill reproduce his famous “Merlin” monument sculpture in a small-scale size. Jill fulfilled John’s final request by sculpting this smaller, yet no less amazing rendition.

John Soderberg’s “Merlin” monument has been a beloved fixture of Sedona, Arizona for nearly 30 years. Rife with symbolism and historical influences from Egypt, the Vikings, Celtic Druidism, Shamanism, and of course the Arthurian Legends, John’s meticulous detail—each line and curve a story of its own—conveys his intensive research and deep love of the subject matter. Jill’s rendition faithfully portrays all of John’s wonderful details.

“Merlin” is the legendary wizard of Arthurian lore. Known for his wisdom, foresight, and magical powers, “Merlin” stands as a timeless symbol of mysticism and guidance not only in the tales of King Arthur, but in modern times as well. He holds the sphere of all-embracing wisdom in his left hand, inviting viewers on a meditative journey. This exquisite sculpture brings to life this character’s mystical enigmatic presence, making it a captivating addition to any collection of mythical art.